KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Despite the recession, Kirksville's lodging tax revenue is up.
For the first quarter of 2009, it increased $1,451.12 compared to the first quarter of last year.
The 2009 first quarter total was $28,902.03. The 2008 first quarter total was $27,450.83.
The 2008 4th quarter revenue ($38,888) was up $2,006.17 from the 2007 4th quarter earnings ($36,881.83).
Kirksville Tourism Director Debi Boughton explains that the overal first quarter totals are less than the fourth quarter totals because fewer people travel during January, February and March.
The increase in lodging tax revenue came as a pleasant surprise to Boughton, who told KTVO she was just hoping for the revenue to at least hold steady.
"From what I’ve read, industrywide, the trend is that people are still traveling, they're just not going so far away. They may not be staying away from home quite so many nights, but hopefully we're getting the benefit of regional travelers, travelers from just one state away,” said Boughton.
Those who stay in Kirksville hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts are charged a lodging tax of 3.6 percent per room per night.
The proceeds are used solely for Kirksville's tourism efforts. The money pays Boughton’s salary, and the cost of maintaining an office at the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Boughton said the majority of the money is spent on marketing, which can include website design, print ads, radio commercials and TV commercials. The funds also pay for Boughton’s trips to trade shows where she brags about Kirksville and tries to get bus tours to come to town.
She said she plans to attend even more trade shows next year because she thinks they are such a valuable tourism tool.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO